Up to 80% of people with an addiction to alcohol develop thiamine deficiency. Heavy alcohol use causes inflammation of the stomach lining and digestive tract, which reduces the body's ability to absorb vitamins. Poor dietary choices and a lack of nutrition also rob the body of essential vitamins.
Heavy drinkers may benefit from adding vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9 supplements as indicated by symptoms of deficiencies, and under professional medical guidance. Vitamin B1 deficiency can be treated by ceasing alcohol consumption (with professional help), improving nutritional factors, and taking B1 supplements.
Doctors may recommend multivitamin supplements containing B1, B2, B3, B6, and vitamin C. These supplements may be given for the initial 3–5 days of alcohol withdrawal, because the person is experiencing issues with nutrient absorption and not be getting enough of these vitamins.
One of the most common and serous types of alcohol-related vitamin deficiency is lack of B vitamins like Thiamine, which is an essential vitamin for neurobiological health.
Second, alcoholics may develop a thiamine deficit because of impaired thiamine absorption from the intestine (Hoyumpa 1980). Alcohol damages the lining of the intestine and directly inhibits the transport mechanism that is responsible for thiamine absorption in the intestinal tract (Gastaldi et al.
Up to 80% of people with an addiction to alcohol develop thiamine deficiency. Heavy alcohol use causes inflammation of the stomach lining and digestive tract, which reduces the body's ability to absorb vitamins. Poor dietary choices and a lack of nutrition also rob the body of essential vitamins.
In patients at high risk of thiamine deficiency, parenteral thiamine 250-500mg/day should be given for 3-5 days, followed by oral thiamine 250-300mg/day.
Chronic alcohol abuse leads to malnutrition, and thus to the deficiency of many nutrients, including vitamins and trace elements. Most often comes to the deficiency of all vitamins, however because the clinical implications, the most important is folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency.
Alcohol affects B12 absorption in the body in many ways. Large amounts of alcohol irritate the mucosal linings in the stomach and intestines leading to a condition called gastritis which further leads to reduced absorption of B12 levels in the body.
Most of the studies that measured abstinence found AA was significantly better than other interventions or no intervention. In one study, it was found to be 60% more effective. None of the studies found AA to be less effective.
Thiamine is available without a prescription, but your doctor may prescribe thiamine to treat certain conditions. Follow the directions on your product label or doctor's instructions carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Include 250mg Vitamin C, 150mg magnesium, 1500mg calcium and 500 mg niacin from dietary sources each day. A good multivitamin/mineral supplement (like Centrum) is also recommended. Omega 3 fatty acids can help to minimize symptoms. Try including 3-4 ounces of fish 2-4 times per week or adding flaxseed to your foods.
Low levels of B -12 and B-6 have been linked to depression. Drinking alcohol regularly for more than two weeks decreases vitamin B12 absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B deficiency has been noticed in people who report suffering from depression.
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Alcohol intake is also associated with low serum magnesium, selenium and zinc levels. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and C, and fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E and K have also been reported to be deficient in alcoholics.
Alcoholics have been found to have deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Research shows that drinking alcohol itself does not limit the absorption of minerals, but alcohol-related problems do.
Alcoholic consumption lowers vitamin D levels in the body. Lower D levels can effect serotonin production. Low levels of serotonin can cause depression.
Good sources of thiamin
Thiamin is found in many types of food. Good sources include: peas. some fresh fruits (such as bananas and oranges)
Early symptoms of thiamin deficiency are vague. They include fatigue, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. Eventually, a severe thiamin deficiency (beriberi) may develop, characterized by nerve, heart, and brain abnormalities.
Can I drink alcohol while taking thiamine? Long-term drinking or heavy drinking can stop your body from absorbing thiamine (vitamin B1). If you're taking thiamine for vitamin B1 deficiency, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol as this will make your symptoms worse.
Thiamine: Guidance from RMOC
The recommended dose of thiamine is 100mg BD or TDS. Thiamine should be continued for as long as malnutrition is present and/or during periods of continued alcohol consumption. Following successful alcohol withdrawal, thiamine should be continued for 6 weeks.
The recommended treatment for severe deficiency consists of 25–30 mg intravenously in infants and 50–100 mg in adults, then 10 mg daily administered intramuscularly for approximately one week, followed by 3–5 mg/day oral thiamin for at least 6 weeks.